Capital Comments – Mississippi State Legislature Week 7 Update
Thursday, February 19, marked the official midpoint of the 2026 Regular Session of the Mississippi Legislature. With day 45 now behind us, activity at the Mississippi State Capitol continues to accelerate as lawmakers work to meet critical deadlines that will shape the remainder of the session.
From the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation state public policy team’s perspective, the pace of the session has been steady and purposeful. Committee work is largely behind us for general legislation, and attention is quickly turning toward appropriation and revenue measures that will determine funding priorities for the coming fiscal year. For farmers and ranchers across Mississippi, this phase of the session is especially important, as it directly impacts agricultural programs, infrastructure, conservation efforts, and rural economic development.
The coming week brings several significant deadlines that will narrow the field of legislation still in play:
- Monday, February 23 – Deadline for making requests for appropriation and revenue bills to be drafted
- Wednesday, February 25 – Deadline for original floor action on appropriation and revenue bills originating in their own chamber
- Thursday, February 26 – Deadline for reconsideration and passage of appropriation and revenue bills originating in their own house
- Friday, February 27 – Deadline to dispose of motions to reconsider appropriation and revenue bills originating in their own house
We continue to monitor developments closely and advocate for policies that protect private property rights, promote a strong farm economy, and support the long-term viability of Mississippi’s farm and ranch families.
Senate Bill 2648, authored by Senator Brian Rhodes, would authorize Mississippi State University Extension Service to assist poultry farmers with their comprehensive nutrient management plans.
Senate Bill 2272, authored by Senator Neil Whaley, seeks to exempt from state sales tax certain agricultural and logging items that are currently taxed at the rate of 1.5%.
House Bill 1523, authored by Representative Trey Lamar, would establish a grant program to assist farmers with the purchase of new farm tractors.
Senate Bill 2637, authored by Senator Neil Whaley, revises current statute governing the location requirements for the Northeast District Livestock Show.
House Bill 514, authored by Representative Sam Creekmore, revises the definition of the “veterinarian-client-patient relationship” and updates related provisions governing veterinary practice in the state.
House Bill 1647, authored by Representative Bill Pigott, and Senate Bill 2631, authored by Senator Neil Whaley, create a voluntary grain indemnity fund in response to bankruptcies of grain merchandisers that have left grain producers across our state facing significant uncertainty and financial exposure.
Senate Bill 2527, authored by Senator Joel Carter, is an act to provide for decommissioning standards of solar panels.
The second half of the session often moves quickly, and timely communication between you and your legislators remains one of the most effective tools we have. We encourage county leaders and members to stay engaged and continue building relationships with your elected officials.
As always, the Mississippi Farm Bureau state public policy team will keep working diligently at the Capitol to represent the interests of our farmers and ranchers. We appreciate your continued involvement and support as we move into the critical final weeks of the 2026 Regular Session.
